I don't like this. Boxing and baseball are distractions to a NC run. Cubs ready to sign Irish WR Samardzija June 12, 2006 BY MIKE KILEY Staff Reporter Suntimes.com CINCINNATI -- The Cubs expect to reach a four- or five-year contract agreement later this week with fifth-round draft pick Jeff Samardzija, the Notre Dame wide receiver who is intent on being a professional pitcher. Mark Rodgers, Samardzija's adviser, is coming to Chicago midweek to hammer out the details of the deal. The Cubs should have an announcement before the weekend ends. The plan is for Samardzija to pitch for the Boise Hawks in the Class A Northwest League. Their season opens June 19, and Notre Dame opens football practice in the first week of August. Cubs general manager Jim Hendry and Rodgers will have to get creative in how they structure the contract for a two-sport athlete with designs on playing in the NFL and the major leagues. Look for the money to be backloaded and dependent on which sport he chooses to concentrate on in the next few years. That means the money for Samardzija starting out shouldn't be that staggering. Mark Prior, for example, got $10 million for five years after the Cubs selected him second overall in 2001. But because of his unique circumstances, Samardzija still was available in the fifth round.
Husker... <t>Of all the teams out there the Cubs have to take him. Hope they don't find a way to get him hurt before he reports for football.<br/> <br/> Check out the Miami pitcher Chris Perez if you haven't already. 95 MPH heater was awesome yesterday as a closer versus Ole Miss. Yes the Redbirds took him w/ a high draft pick. Big stong kid.</t>
I thought he was going to sign with a professional team? What happened that he ended up with the Cubs! yuk,yuk... :lol: :lol: :lol: